It was a weekday and Michael & Erica were at work so we decided to grab a taxi and head to downtown Quito (well, actually, just one street in downtown Quito) and check out the city life. It was amazing how inexpensive taxis are in Quito. I was expecting a $15-20 charge for the ride and it ended up to be about $2.00. Wow, at those prices we can go anywhere!
This is a shot of the main street were strolled down. The shopping mall, Quicentro, was on the right side of the street.
This is a picture of the tree-lined sidewalk.
And just so you know the U.S. doesn't have the market on graffiti ...
Many of the block walls throughout Quito are covered in murals.
Our next sight-seeing trip took us to the awesome hot springs at Papallacta, a small village in Ecuador at 10,826 feet in the Andes on the road from Quito which leads into the Amazon jungle. The scenic drive passes through several towns and small villages before ascending to a peak over 13,125 feet, from which mountains and glaciers are visible.
Here is an internet photo of the town of Papallacta.
Descending from the peak
to Papallacta, the ecosystems transform from alpine to tropical jungle. Several hot springs and spas are located in
Papallacta.
On our drive, I had Michael pullover so I could get a shot of these wild llamas right off the side of the road.
Termas de Papallacta Spa and Resort is where we were headed. It boasts a number of very relaxing thermal pools. It has both a public hot springs area (which is much cheaper) and a "private spa" area which is more expensive, but better maintained and includes the nice shower facility after your pool time.
The source temperature of the thermal baths varies between 30°C and 70°C (86°F and 158°F). At the pools (there are at least 5 pools with varying temperatures) the temperature ranges from 36°C to 40°C (97°F to 104°F). Papallacta´s thermal waters contain sulfates, sodium, calcium, chloride and traces of magnesium which are odourless, colourless but have a slightly salty taste.
You have to wear one of these caps in the pools and this is Michael and me enjoying the hot springs.
This is a better view of one of the pools.
Here's Michael enjoying one of the pools.
Another pool shot.
The Three Hot Springs Muskateers (left to right: Gary, Judy, Michael). We're sitting under these flows of water emptying into the pool.
Another way in which they bring hot volcanic water into the pool.
Right behind us was the HOTTEST place in the pools. I don't know how Michael did it, but he eventually slipped himself into it. I put one foot in, yelped, and pulled that foot out as quickly as possible.
More scenic shots of the beautiful hot springs at the spa.
The hydrothermal value of Termas de Papallacta's Hot Springs is thanks to Papallacta's location between two volcanoes, Volcano Cayambe and Volcano Antisana.
It was a beautiful location. The hot springs were so relaxing ... come on, when are hot springs not relaxing?? Afterwards, we showered and had a delicious lunch at one of their onsite restaurants. All-in-all, a great day in Ecuador.
Psalms 104:10-13
He sends forth springs in the valleys; they flow between the mountains; they give drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell; they lift up their voices among the branches. He waters the mountains from His upper chambers.
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